New Zealand Super Saloon Grand Prix organiser Shane Maaka does not mince words when outlining drivers' do-or-dent attitudes in competition at at Island Park Speedway over the next two nights.
"There's $2 million worth of equipment on the track and they won't be worried about that equipment,'' he said, referring to the contenders taking part in tonight's title fight and tomorrow's teams night.
National honour is at stake tonight. After the field has been split in two and each group has had three heat races, the grid positions will have been determined for the 30-lap final race.
Gunning for a good position will be Mosgiel driver Ray Stewart, who won this event in 2006.
"He is the best hope for Otago,'' Maaka said.
Stewart's 700-plus horsepower four-cylinder turbocharged Nissan 200SX will go head to head with 3NZ from the recent New Zealand Super Saloon Championships, of Balclutha driver Mike Verdoner. Other hot shots include the Boulton team of father Bruce and son Josh, Tiger Woods' caddie,
Steve Williams, and Canterbury champion Richie Taylor.
Maaka said any one of about 20 drivers could win.
"The one thing they all have in common - they are all really aggressive.''
That instinct would come in handy tomorrow night when 32 drivers assembled into eight regional teams of four for "brutal'' knockout rounds to find the winners, he said.
A demolition derby is also on tomorrow's schedule.
Tonight's programme begins at 7pm and features productions, street stocks, stock cars and A grade saloons.
Bookmark/Search this post with:
